Law allows party-backed candidates as independents

Fiu Ponifasio Vasa, who was introduced by the FAST Party as its candidate for Palauli No.2, is officially registered as an independent for the upcoming by-election. (Photo: Samoa Observer) Samoa’s Electoral Act permits candidates who receive party...

New Retirees Association aims to Address Rising challenges for Palau’s elderly

By: Summer Kennard KOROR, Palau — Retirees across Palau are banding together to form the Retirees Association of Palau (RAP), a newly chartered non-governmental organization aimed at strengthening their collective voice, promoting cultural...

Petition Calls for Clear U.S.-Palau Defense Agreement to Protect Civilians

By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang KOROR, Palau — A petition circulating in Palau calls on the national leadership to open talks with the United States on a separate, detailed agreement spelling out when and how Washington would defend Palau — and...

Whipps pushes $1B Infrastructure Vision for Palau at Pacific Conference

BY: L.N. Reklai with Stefan Ambrusters BRISBANE, Australia (Aug. 21, 2025) — Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. outlined an ambitious vision for more than $1 billion in infrastructure investment over the next five years, telling regional leaders...

JCI Japan celebrates Matsuri Festival in Palau to Honor WWII Legacy and Foster Friendship

Masahiro Togushi, president of the Matsuri celebration, shared heartfelt remarks during the recent event in Palau, emphasizing the significance of their visit. “We are here for only three days,” Togushi explained, “with 60 members of JCI Japan...

Australia extends Qantas Flights to Palau through 2026; Whipps hails Tourism boost

Koror, Palau – Qantas Airways will continue its direct service between Brisbane and Palau for another year, a move welcomed by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr. as a boost to tourism and bilateral ties. The “Palau Paradise Express” flights,...

PICRC center and Ngiwal State Government Mark World Mangrove Day with Clam Planting initiative to Boost Ecotourism

On World Mangrove Day July 26, 2025, the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC), in collaboration with the Ngiwal State Government, led by Paramount Chief Uongruios Elliot Udui, proudly announced the planting of 50 clams: 25 Duadeb (common...

CNMI lieutenant governor was a Guam basketball star

Guam basketball history now sits in the second highest political position in our neighboring Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Former Guam national player Dennis Mendiola was recently elevated to the position of lieutenant governor...

Republic of Palau, Peleliu government, DoD host public meetings on improvements to Peliliu South Dock

Qantas extends Brisbane–Palau flights to 2026 amid surge in Australian visitors

Qantas has prolonged its direct flights from Brisbane to Koror, the capital of Palau, a Pacific island nation in Micronesia, for an additional year after the service, named the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, proved to be popular among Australian...

Palau NYCC shifts Dil Belau Contest from pageant to Youth Leadership Challenge

By: Laurel Marewibuel KOROR, Palau — The Palau National Youth and Cheldebechel Council (NYCC) is reshaping the traditional Dil Belau contest into a competition centered on youth leadership, community engagement and professional development, moving...

Palau President acknowledges failures in Shipping Registry, pledges reform

KOROR, Palau — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has admitted Palau’s ship registry has a poor record of oversight and pledged to tighten monitoring after international watchdogs ranked the Pacific nation among the worst for labor and safety...

CNMI LT. GOVERNOR WAS A GUAM BASKETBALL STAR

By Patrick Lujan Guam basketball history now sits in the second highest political position in our neighboring CNMI. Former Guam national player Dennis Mendiola was recently elevated to the position of Lt. Governor after the unforeseen passing of...

Palau Gears Up to host the Exciting Micro Cup Canoe Racing Competition this October

By: Faith Chen From October 24th to 26th, Palau will proudly host the highly anticipated Micro Cup, a vibrant canoe racing competition that promises to bring together top athletes from across the Pacific and beyond. This year’s event will feature...

Palau president calls exclusion of PIF partners a 'missed opportunity'

President Surangel Whipps Jr at his first state visit to Taiwan in May 2025 after the inauguration of his second term. Photo: Supplied/ Office of the President Palau's President Surangel Whipps Jr says it is "a missed opportunity" not to include...

Palau, DoD host public meetings on improvements to Peleliu South Dock

Representatives of the Palau government and the Department of Defense host a public meeting at Peleliu State Building to share information on proposed Peleliu South Dock rehabilitation and improvements, Aug. 12. U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cmdr....

Cost of Living Crisis in Palau

Dear Editor, Palau is in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis that our leaders refuse to address with any seriousness. The reality is simple: the scale of our economy does not allow ordinary people to make ends meet. Wages remain stagnant,...

Union Election Commission sets date for voting to begin and outlines roadmap for polls nationwide

The regime’s Union Election Commission (UEC) announced on Monday that its general elections will begin on Dec. 28, with specific dates for polls in January 2026 to be announced later. Nay Phone Latt, the National Unity Government (NUG) Prime...

Palau anticipates Compact to be signed next month

Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr unveiled some of the details of the new economic package under the renegotiated provisions of the nation’s Compact of Free Association with Washington. Palau stands to receive US$890 million in economic...

QANTAS EXTENDS DIRECT PALAU FLIGHTS AMID GROWING TOURISM DEMAND

Qantas has extended its direct flights between Brisbane and Koror, Palau’s capital, for another year following the success of the route which Qantas commenced in December 2024. The service, known as the ‘Palau Paradise Express’, will continue to...